Dictionaries :: Liberty

Liberty:

lib'-er-ti (deror, rachabh; eleutheria): The opposite of servitude or bondage, hence, applicable to captives or slaves set free from oppression (thus deror, Le 25:10; Isa 61:1, etc.). Morally, the power which enslaves is sin (Joh 8:34), and liberty consists, not simply in external freedom, or in possession of the formal power of choice, but in deliverance from the darkening of the mind, the tyranny of sinful lusts and the enthrallment of the will, induced by a morally corrupt state. In a positive respect, it consists in the possession of holiness, with the will and ability to do what is right and good. Such liberty is possible only in a renewed condition of soul, and cannot exist apart from godliness. Even under the Old Testament godly men could boast of a measure of such liberty (Ps 119:45, rachabh, "room," "breadth"), but it is the gospel of Christ which bestows it in its fullness, in giving a full and clear knowledge of God, discovering the way of forgiveness, supplying the highest motives to holiness and giving the Holy Spirit to destroy the power of sin and to quicken to righteousness. In implanting a new life in the soul, the gospel lifts the believer out of the sphere of external law, and gives him a sense of freedom in his new filial relation to God. Hence, the New Testament expressions about "the glorious liberty" of God's children (Ro 8:21 the King James Version; compare Ga 2:4; 5:13, etc.), about liberty as resulting from the possession of the Spirit (2Co 3:17), about "the perfect law of liberty" (Jas 1:25). The instrument through which this liberty is imparted is "the truth" (Joh 8:32). Christians are earnestly warned not to presume upon, or abuse their liberty in Christ (Ga 5:13; 1Pe 2:16).

Written by James Orr

Liberty: Proclaimed in the Year of Jubilee

Lev 25:10; Jer 34:8, 15-17

Liberty: Political

Jdg 17:6; 21:25; Act 22:28

Liberty: Reference Concerning

See JUBILEE

Liberty: Figurative:

Isa 61:2; 63:4; Luk 4:19; Jhn 8:32, 33, 36; Gal 3:28; Eph 6:8; Col 3:11

Liberty:

"a loosening, relaxation," is translated "liberty" in Act 24:23, AV.
See INDULGENCE.

Liberty:

"dismissal, release, forgiveness," is rendered "liberty" in the AV of Luk 4:18, RV, "release."
See FORGIVENESS.

Liberty:

See FREEDOM.

Liberty:

"authority, right," is rendered "liberty" in 1Cr 8:9 (marg., "power"), "this liberty of yours," or "this right which you assert."
See AUTHORITY.

Liberty:

is rendered "at liberty" in 1Cr 7:39, AV (RV "free").
See FREE.

Liberty:

for the meanings of which see LET, No. 3, is translated "to set at liberty" in Act 26:32; Hbr 13:23.
See DISMISS.

Liberty:

"to send away," is translated "to set at liberty" in Luk 4:18.
See SEND.

Note: In Act 27:3, AV, epitrepo is rendered "gave... liberty" (RV "gave... leave").
See LEAVE (b)